THE aunt of a young cerebral palsy sufferer is to take on the challenge of a lifetime in a mammoth fundraising mission.

Carol Jackson, 44, of Well Street, Padiham, is preparing to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal to support the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The two-week trip, which will see Carol jet off from Heathrow on November 27 has been self-funded so that all the money raised from the trip can be donated direct to the charity.

Carol's niece, nine-year-old Rebecca Fothergill, suffers from the life-threatening condition and is expected to live only until her early 30s.

Rebecca, who lives in Burnley wi mum and dad Kathryn and Graham, has to undergo daily sessions of physiotherapy to ease the condition.

Carol, a pharmacist, who will be travelling with organisers Charity Challenge, said: "Rebecca is absolutely inspirational, which is why I wanted to do this. She never lets anything get her down.

"As part of her exercise regime she enjoys to swim and take part in gymnastics and has already completed a one-mile swim -- that's one more than I could do.

"And because she's so advanced with her swimming she'll have to wait until she's 12 before she can go to the next stage and take her lifesaving badge."

She added: "We'll set off from Kathmandu and trek between five and six hours a day, we won't be able to do any more because of the high altitude." Rebecca's mum, who works at Boots in Burnley, said: "It's very brave of Carol but I won't be able to rest until she's back home safe and well."

Rebecca added: "I think aunty Carol is doing a great thing to help the charity and other people who suffer from cerebral palsy like me."

To sponsor Carol, ring 01282 775240.